Face of toddler Cillian (2) killed in home tragedy

This is the face of the toddler who died following a tragic accident at his home.

Cillian O Cualain, who was just 21 months old, died after he was knocked down in the driveway of his home at Clynagh, Carraroe in Co Galway on Wednesday afternoon.

His heartbroken parents Maire-Ros and Mairtin O Cualain, who had just recently welcomed a baby daughter, Aine, are now planning the funeral arrangements for their little boy.

The accident happened after a friend of the couple, who had come to see the new baby, was driving off.

They are now being comforted by their extended family and the entire community.

"They are a lovely young couple who were enjoying a great start to their life together," said their neighbour Senator Trevor O Clochartaigh.

Trauma

"This tragedy is every parent's nightmare and it's going to take them a very long time to try and overcome the trauma and their loss. It's just unthinkable."

He said "a dark cloud" was hanging over the local community.

Speaking about the tragic accident, he said: "Cillian and his mother went outside to say goodbye and the little fella pulled away from his mother just as the car was moving off.

"It was just a tragic accident. It could have happened to any of us with small children," said Mr O Clochartaigh.

The air ambulance arrived at the scene very quickly but sadly there was nothing that could be done to save the little boy, who was just months short of his second birthday.

The toddler was airlifted to University Hospital Galway, where he was later pronounced dead.

A post mortem has been scheduled to take place today. Forensic collision investigators attended the scene yesterday to carry out an examination.

As the heartbroken family is comforted by friends and relatives, the mother of another little boy who miraculously survived a fall from the sixth floor of a hotel in Limerick said she was "overwhelmed" by the love and support she has received since the tragic accident.

Neil Shanahan (2) from Farranshone in Limerick city suffered multiple injuries after falling 20 metres from a balcony on the top of the Strand Hotel in Limerick last Saturday.

Speaking at a special mass last night, his father Michael paid tribute to the "incredible work" of the "miracle" doctors and staff who helped save his son.